Mildura Rural City Council has installed a 99 kW rooftop solar system at a sporting precinct in the Victorian regional centre. This system is expected to produce over 114,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, covering 15% of the facility’s yearly energy needs.
MRCC Completes Solar Installation at Mildura Sporting Precinct
The Victorian Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) has installed a 99 kW rooftop solar system on a building at the council-owned Mildura Sporting Precinct (MSP). This system — which includes 198 panels each rated at 500 W — is anticipated to produce over 114,000 kWh of electricity annually. The solar installation is expected to reduce the precinct’s annual electricity bill by up to $19,000.
Victorian Council Receives $585,000 Grants for Solar Project
The MRCC secured $490,000 from the Australian government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program and a $95,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria’s Community Power Hubs program.
Federal Local Government Minister, Kristy McBain stated that the government remains committed to collaborating with local councils nationwide to deliver priority projects.
“It’s fantastic to see councils delivering future-focused, energy efficiency projects like this with our support, reducing council operating costs, and delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities,” she said.
Over 100 projects funded by the LRCI program and implemented by local councils include renewable energy installations or upgrades. For example, Berrigan Shire Council in New South Wales has allocated $900,000 to upgrade local heritage and community building rooftops to reduce heat absorption and accommodate future solar installations.
West Daly Regional Council in the Northern Territory is set to deliver a $300,000 net-zero secure vehicle parking facility in 2025 which will include the installation of solar panels. Meanwhile, the Shire of West Arthur in Western Australia is utilizing $182,000 of LRCI funding to enhance efficiency at a local swimming pool including the installation of solar panels.
MRCC to Exceed 1 MW Solar Capacity by 2025
With the new solar system in Mildura, the MRCC has now installed a total of 890 kW of solar power on council-owned buildings and facilities and is on track to exceed 1 MW of solar capacity by 2025. MRCC is committed to fully electrifying all its buildings and facilities by 2030 under its Towards Zero Emissions Strategy. As part of a 10-year agreement, the local community group Sunraysia Sustainability Network will receive 50% of the annual financial savings from the solar system.
MRCC is also supporting local businesses in installing over 2 MW of solar through environmental upgrade agreements (EUA). This process involves a lender providing upfront funding for sustainable building upgrades, including solar which are subsequently repaid through council rates.